Hilda Cox Burton

On July 23, 2025, Hilda Cox Burton passed away at Harmony at Chantilly in Herndon, Virgina after a period of poor health. She spent her last days surrounded by her husband of 66 years, Ernest Steven (Steve) Burton, her daughter Teresa Burton Gutsick and her son-in-law Joseph Michael Gutsick. Hilda was born on September 22, 1936, in the small community of Providence Township in Randolph County, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Ivan and Dora Cox. She had five older siblings, Raymond, Fields, Ed, Mary and Paul who preceded her in death. Hilda grew up in the Quaker faith and found a love of piano, playing in church and in recitals for school. She attended Providence Elementary School in Climax, NC, Randleman High School in Randleman, NC and went on to study business at Greensboro College in Greensboro, NC. Hilda met her husband Steve in Greensboro, NC where she was living with her close friend Marie’s Aunt Belle. The two married at First Baptist Church, Greensboro on May 3, 1959, shortly before Steve entered the Army. The couple lived in Fayetteville, NC while Steve completed his service, and then moved to Virginia Beach, VA for work where Hilda found a job as an executive assistant at the Virginian-Pilot and Ledger-Star newspapers in Norfolk, VA. She worked closely in the executive office with Frank Batton who went on to found the Weather Channel. Later in her career she worked for insurance and real estate title companies before retiring in 2001. Hilda and Steve were transferred to Northern Virginia for Steve’s job in 1978 where they lived in Oakton, VA for a short time before moving to Centreville, VA and then on to Gainesville, VA after retirement. Hilda was an avid golfer throughout most of her adult life, playing until she was in her 80s. She was very competitive and won several golf tournaments over the years. Hilda also volunteered with the Women’s Golf Association, helping run tournaments and events. She and her husband were members at Kempsville Meadows Golf Club in Virginia Beach, VA, Chantilly National Golf and Country Club in Centreville, VA and Heritage Hunt in Gainesville, VA. When not golfing, you could find Hilda reading a good book or playing bridge. She was an avid reader throughout her life, preferring mystery novels. She played bridge frequently with her husband early in their marriage and rediscovered it in retirement playing in a much-loved bridge group at Heritage Hunt. Hilda was also very active in her church, Centreville Baptist in Centreville, VA. She was part of a bible study group and taught children’s Sunday school. Hilda was fortunate to have many close and loyal friends throughout her life. She was known for her friendliness, thoughtfulness and good sense of humor. She will live on in the memories of the many people who love her. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband Steve, her much loved only child Teresa Gutsick and her husband Joe. Other surviving family members include her niece Paula Navy, husband Randy Navy and their children and grandchildren; niece Annette Cox; and cousin Martha Holt -- all of whom she stayed close to throughout her life. The funeral will be held at 3:00pm at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, VA with a visitation prior to the funeral at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

Hilda Cox Burton

September 22, 1936 - July 23, 2025